I'd say buying a road bike, or cyclocross bike with a triple crankset. Normally, I'd say to try out a Surly Cross Check or the like (about $1,000), but your price lends itself more to something like bikesdirect.com.

IMO, if I were to buy a brand new bike with a triple and everything I'd want on a bike, I'd try to spend $1000 to $1200, but with your limit, BD comes in handy.

Check it out - you can get a decent, steel or aluminum bike with a triple for about $600

http://bikesdirect.com/products/windsor/tourist.htm

http://bikesdirect.com/products/mercier/galaxy.htm


Also check out Kona, Trek, Fuji, etc. They might have a relatively low-priced bike you could get for a decent price. You could also check craigslist for a good bike once you get there. Actually, me being a vintage guy, that would be my first choice, then either the Surly or the BD bikes.

BTW, to the regulars - you know me. I'm not trying to shill, even though this might sound like it.